Hartzler Announces Program Designed to Protect Seniors from COVID-19 Fraud

Statement

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) today announced the Elder Justice initiative's increased focus on protecting seniors from the rising level of fraud and scams related to COVID-19 pandemic. The program, administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ), has sought to protect seniors from all levels of fraud and abuse. With COVID -- 19 scams on the rise, the initiative now provides counseling, guidance and information for seniors on these pandemic scams and campaigns designed to extract money and personal information from unsuspecting Americans.

"Crisis often brings out the best in people, but unfortunately it can often bring out the worst as well. There are those who are taking advantage of our seniors by using this pandemic to conjure up fraudulent schemes to extract money and personal information from them. The Elder Justice initiative provides counseling and guidance for seniors to avoid these scams," Hartzler said.

Information on the DOJ Elder Justice initiative:

If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Signs for scam call includes unknown individuals asking for personal information such as credit card information or social security number over the phone or threatening to cancel health insurance or Medicare benefits if you don't pay via telephone.

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